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Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin feels the road to the ICC World Cup 2027 will not be easy for senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as fitness and form have become the main selection factors in Ajit Agarkar's and Gautam Gambhir’s era.
Both Kohli and Rohit are still doing well in ODI cricket, but their recent hamstring injury issues have raised concerns over their future with India National Cricket Team, as they have already retired from Test and T20I cricket and now only focus on the 50-over format.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma under fitness pressure
Virat Kohli recently picked up a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. Because of this, he will miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma has also faced hamstring trouble during the IPL 2026 season and has already missed five matches for Mumbai Indians.
Now, the Indian selectors must want the two batting legends to be fit and available for every ODI series because the preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027 have already begun and the younger players are waiting for chances in the squad. However, Kohli's fitness level still inspires many.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s big warning for ICC World Cup 2027
Reacting to the situation, Ravichandran Ashwin has warned that fitness could decide the 2027 ODI World Cup future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The former Indian off-spinner admitted that Kohli remains fitter, but he pointed at Rohit’s repeated hamstring issues.
Ashwin warned his former Indian teammates that even a small injury now can push the national selectors towards younger players for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027 as there are already reports of selectors wanting Rohit to retire from the game.
Ravichandran Ashwin was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, "Virat's fitness has been great. Rohit has tended to have hamstring issues in the past. He needs to keep working on that to keep himself on the park. Because an injury to one of these two will mean an opportunity for the youngsters. And that cannot be the case going near the World Cup. So, Rohit needs to keep ticking those boxes.”
Form and Fitness will decide Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's World Cup future
The former Indian all-rounder believes that even a small injury or a short dip in form at this stage can change things quickly for the former captains, and that’s why every match and every fitness test becomes important for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma going forward.
Ashwin further explained, “Any kind of an injury or a dip might tilt the favor once again and put a bit of pressure on both. Embracing that is important for both of them. If the management wants the two for the World Cup and if there is enough energy around it, it is very possible to keep them on the park and utilize their experience. But if there is a thought that it might steer the other way, these two will be under duress."
It must be like a marriage: Ashwin on management's role
He also feels the team management will play a very important role in this situation. If the management clearly supports Rohit and Virat Kohli and trusts their experience, it can help them stay motivated and give their best, but if not, their ODI World Cup dream might not survive.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “It must be like a marriage. The management must want these two to be there with their best interests also in mind. When they see that from the management, they will put in double the hard work they would otherwise. It's a give and take, and good energy from both sides is paramount.”
